Ask yourself, are you drinking enough water EVERY SINGLE DAY?
Most likely the answer is, No. So, the water you do drink, needs to be the most beneficial. The way to do that is to make sure that you are absorbing the amount that you are in taking and making sure you have a good electrolyte imbalance.
I personally practice and preach for a gallon a day (128 oz.) or more! Keeping in mind, not all liquids are helping us stay hydrated. Liquids like coffee and alcohol are liquids that deplete us, making us dehydrated. So, the more of those you drink, the more water you must consume and the more electrolytes that must be replaced. Begin to aim for a half a gallon (64 oz.) but much more may be needed depending on your everyday activity levels including performance, body temperature, sweating, and so much more.
We know how important water consumption is and staying hydrated but one thing we don’t realize is how much electrolytes play a role and their importance to our everyday life. Electrolytes are just as important as the intake of water is. Setting water goals and achieving them is great BUT it is only part of it. Electrolytes control nervous-system function and help keep us hydrated while balancing out pH levels within the body (alkalinity and acidity).
If you are experiencing any of the follow symptoms below you may be experiencing low electrolyte levels and MUST up your water intake and continue reading below to find out which Electrolyte mix is best for YOU (Liquid I.V. vs. Hydration Sticks)
- headaches
- nausea
- fatigue
- low energy
- muscle cramping
IS there a such thing for drinking too much WATER?
If your body is not getting the right electrolytes and adequate amounts of nutrients, your body may not be able to absorb the water being consumed. Therefore, you think you are drinking too much water when really your body is having a hard time absorbing it due to lack of electrolytes and other nutrients you aren’t feeding your body. I would be more concerned on not drinking enough water and maintaining good electrolyte balance than wondering if you are drinking TOO much water. By all means, I am not a doctor, nor can I tell you that exactly answer without knowing your entire lifestyle, medications you are intaking and the function of your kidneys and other organs. For example, when you drink a lot of water, and your kidneys cannot get rid of the excess water complications can occur. Focus on consuming adequate amounts of all water, micronutrients, and electrolytes.
But Drinking adequate amount of water isn’t your problem…
So, let’s say you are one that drinks plenty of water but aren’t exactly sure if you are absorbing all of it. Perhaps we begin to focus on the intake of overall Electrolyte consumption. Some electrolytes include Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, and Phosphate. We can consume electrolytes from food itself and I would advise that as much as you can. I will always continue to say Food FIRST, Supplement SECOND. To truly optimize performance levels and to remain hydrated properly, I would advise an electrolyte mix. Both Liquid I.V. and Hydration Sticks are non-GMO electrolyte drink mixes.
Depending on exactly what your goals are, and primary usage of an electrolyte supplement would then depend on which electrolyte mix is best for you! Or if you’re like me, you may find to realize you can utilize both depending on the day and purpose while using 😊
Let’s break down each individually below:
Liquid I.V.
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is a non-GMO electrolyte drink mix that utilizes the breakthrough science of Cellular Transport Technology (CTT)® to deliver water and key nutrients into your bloodstream faster and more efficiently than water alone. They use a specific ratio of glucose, sodium, and potassium to deliver both water and the nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Sodium and potassium are the primary electrolytes found in each Liquid I.V. electrolyte mix. Most don’t realize that sodium is what enhances water absorption in the body, so when one drinks a ton of water while trying to stay away from sodium foods/drinks they could be creating more harm than good. Meaning they may not be absorbing all that water they have intaking daily as explained above.
Glucose (sugar), as one of the other key components within this mixture is to help the body absorb water and electrolytes as quickly and efficiently as possible. If an individual is simply reading the label but not necessarily understanding the label, this may push away a consumer from even giving it a try because they don’t like how much sugar it contains. Because of the glucose (sugar) that Liquid I.V. does contain, the sugar helps absorb the other nutrients rapidly providing the body exactly what it wants and utilizing in and throughout performance. The body utilizes Liquid I.V. as a fast-acting supplement (so BRAVO on the name branding Liquid I.V.!!!!!!)
Think of LIQUID IV as an emergency purpose; wouldn’t hurt to keep a pack of Liquid I.V. on hand always like a diabetic may do with medicine or a piece of candy.
Except a healthier alternative using Cellular Transport Technology which includes
SODIUM + POTASSIUM + GLUCOSE + WATER = CTT
Here are some example(s) when one would want to use Liquid I.V.—
- Remain hydrated + Rapid absorption of water in which is taken in
- Aids in overall better recovery in muscle soreness (use Post event)
- Replenish electrolytes quickly from being depleted throughout performance (use Post event)
- Individual is cramping throughout performance (use Liquid I.V. Pre, During, and Post Event(s))
- Athlete participates in 2-a day workouts (Sip throughout day, anytime works)
*Keeping in mind, Liquid I.V. does not only offer hydration but also sleep, energy and immune support.
For 25% off Liquid I.V., shop using link or “MSFITRISS25” promo code at check out.
IF Individual is looking for a drink to help boost performance and drink during or intra workout; Liquid I.V. is the way to go
Good Luck choosing a flavor or should I say flavorS! MY favorites are Lemon Lime & Guava (Hydration) and Tangerine (Immune Support)
1st Phorm Hydration Stick
One of 1st Phorm’ s, newest supplement(s), HYDRATION STICKS has been released and I approve in both taste but also what is being shared with us on the label. The taste is not too sweet or tart taste and easily to enjoy sipping on throughout the day. These Hydration Sticks are for increasing hydration while giving the body both nutrients and electrolytes on a day-to-day basis. You would use these sticks just like another multi vitamin where you would have a stick a day, unlike liquid IV for “emergency workout purposes”. These hydration sticks do contain more potassium and contain magnesium, unlike Liquid IV. (*But remember doesn’t necessarily mean these hydration sticks are better than Liquid I.V.)
Lacking electrolytes all together in the body; including but not limited to potassium, calcium, and magnesium can all result in muscle cramping, overuse of a muscle, muscle strain, resulting in overall dehydration. If one is not eating for “micronutrients” and just eating to hit calories / macronutrients well than a hydration stick will be necessary for you DAILY. I say daily to ensure you are in taking enough overall electrolytes and nutrients since you focus on more “If it fits yours Macros” without paying much attention to the Micronutrients containing inside of the Macronutrients you are eating (MACROS vs. MICROS). These Hydration sticks aren’t an excuse not drinking enough water, but they absolutely assist those who have a hard time intaking enough water. If you know you’re not drinking enough water as you should be, I advise you to drink at least one of these hydration stick(s) daily because of ALL, the vitamins that each hydration stick contains.
Here are some example(s) why you would want to use Hydration Sticks—
- Are hitting “MACROS” but not focusing on Micros
- Feeling “Under the weather” AKA Sick/ Immune system compromised
- Having Diarrhea or after vomiting (again sick) body has depleted all electrolytes at this point
- Cramping throughout the day and/ or during the night (wakes a person up, this is a problem!)
- Overall, individual needs more micronutrients getting into their body/ system faster
For FREE SHIPPING, shop using link.
Now that you may realize the differences between the two, let me go ahead and share my own personal usage and experiences with both products.
As most of you may know I have been using Liquid IV from the beginning to when they only had a couple flavors including (Passion fruit and Sleep to name a few.) Currently, I utilize Liquid I.V. during intense workouts, whether that include my hot yoga classes, or a workout that is taking a little longer than anticipated in. I notice as the seasons change, specifically throughout Spring and Summer I tend to consume more Liquid I.V. As far as Hydration Sticks go, I am very impressed at how they taste but more importantly how many nutrients are within one stick including Magnesium !!!!! I’ve been using hydration sticks basically all the other days from when I am using Liquid I.V. For me getting down water is no problem, but being sure I am intaking enough nutrients and replenishing my electrolytes will always be a focus of mine every single day. Besides 128 + ounces of water can get pretty bland from time to time, so having 3 different flavors to choose from . My favorite is Strawberry!
Drinking adequate amounts of water is one of the top struggles I hear working with clients. Most think they are drinking enough water when they are not. Some realize they aren’t drinking enough due to the excuses of traveling, on-site job choice, or simply not wanted to make several bathroom visits! Water consumption needs to be a priority, but so does supplementation of electrolytes as well. I say supplementation because electrolytes are in certain whole foods but intaking the proper amount of nutrients may be hard to get down every single day, which is where an electrolyte mix will come in handy.
Overall, I APPROVE both Liquid IV AND Hydration Sticks. If you are still unsure which supplement may be right for you and your goals, do not hesitate to reach out to share your goals and situation so I can guide your which electrolyte supplement will be best for you!